I’ve lived in Toronto for eleven years. Plenty of time to discover some interesting places to eat. I always keep going back to the same set of places about 80% of the time. The other 20% is dedicated to discovering new hot-spots. Below are two of my favourite restaurants in Toronto. I have a few others as well, but will talk about those in a future blog post.
A few things I look for in a great restaurant:
- Excellent food
- Good atmosphere
- Good service
1. Barbarians steak house
Photo credit: Barbarians Steak House
My favourite place to be in Toronto, aside from being home, is Barbarians steak house. Although the two are more or less the same; going to Barbarians for me feels like going home. The wine cellar has about 30 000 bottles (see above), and is as spectacular as the food. The cellar is available for private parties. I’ve actually never eaten in the cellar, but I’ve visited it a few times. In an attempt to diversify, I’ve been to some other steak houses in Toronto as well. Some big names ones too. However, I can’t do it anymore. Nobody quite knows how to cook a steak, or set the scene, as well as Barbarians.
Loyal as I am to places I love to eat I also have my favourites on the menu I rarely veer from. I used to switch back and forth between the capon and the filet mignon, but ever since moving to London and rarely having a chance to eat here I stick only to the filet now.
Barbarians – 7 Elm Street, Toronto, ON M5G 1H1
2. Terroni
If you are in the mood for Italian, Terroni is a great bet. However, you are going to want to go on an evening others decide to stay at home, or go a little earlier than you would typically to beat the lines. Terroni does not take reservations, and it was discovered years ago by Torontonians. It is always busy. This is also the only downside, it can get a bit loud, especially at their Adelaide st. location. I am a fan of the Queen St. location.
Terroni – 720 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M6J 1E8
